6533b834fe1ef96bd129e213

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Fall of Potential Measurement of the Earth Resistance in Urban Environments: Accuracy Evaluation

Pietro ColellaRiccardo TommasiniGaetano ZizzoMaria Luisa Di SilvestreEleonora Riva SanseverinoEnrico Pons

subject

Field (physics)Computer science020209 energyMultiphysicsSubstationsurban areas02 engineering and technologyEarth GroundingTopologyfall of potentialIndustrial and Manufacturing Engineering0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineeringGround resistance measurementElectrical and Electronic EngineeringMV/LV substationElectrodesGroundingTarmacresistance measurementGround020208 electrical & electronic engineeringPotential methodEarthPotential measurementEarthing systemSettore ING-IND/33 - Sistemi Elettrici Per L'EnergiaSettore ING-IND/31 - ElettrotecnicaEarth Electrodes Grounding Electric potential Substations Probes Ground resistance measurementElectric potentialControl and Systems EngineeringProbesElectric potential

description

Both Standards EN 50522 and IEEE 81 propose the fall of potential method (FPM) to carry out the measurement of the resistance to earth ( $R_{\text{ES}}$ ) of an earthing system (ES). However, in urban areas, the recommended distances between the ES and auxiliary electrodes are not easy to respect, due to the presence of buildings and tarmac. Furthermore, unknown buried metallic parts and interconnections among ESs could modify the earth potential profile of the area, affecting the measurement results. In this paper, the key-issues that influence the measured $R_{\text{ES}}$ when the FPM is used in an urban environment are presented. A parametric analysis, carried out with Comsol Multiphysics, quantifies the errors due to wrong positioning of the auxiliary electrodes and due to the presence of interconnected ESs in the proximity of the ES under test. In addition, a real case of field measurement is described, emphasizing the main aspects that could compromise the results. Finally, practical suggestions to reduce errors are provided.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2019-05-01
10.1109/tia.2019.2892680http://hdl.handle.net/11583/2724278